05/16/2024
Pre-Invasion
Thursday, May 16, 2024 | Around 4:30 pm
Downtown Fort Walton Beach
South end of Ferry Rd SE, near Hwy 98, Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Captain Billy Bowlegs and his Krewe arrive between 4:30 and 5 p.m. aboard their pirate ship parade float, the Blackhawk. They'll be on hand approximately two hours greeting children, taking photos and handing out treasure.
Skirmish
Friday, May 17, 2024 | Around 7:00 pm
Fort Walton Beach Landing
131 Brooks St SE, Fort Walton Beach, Florida
- 3:00 pm — Arts & Crafts Festival Opens
- 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm — City of Fort Walton Beach Concerts in the Park
- Around 7:00 pm — Captain Billy Bowlegs and Scouting Party Land / Skirmish
- Around 8:00 pm — Fireworks Show
Captain Billy and some of his Krewe arrive by water at Fort Walton Beach Landing around 7 p.m. to scout the city prior to their invasion on Saturday. The mayor of Fort Walton Beach and his forces are prepared and they've threatened to arrest Captain Billy if he lands, resulting in a skirmish. There will also be food and beverage vendors, an arts and crafts festival, and live music. The evening will end with a fireworks show over Santa Rosa Sound.
Pirate Invasion
Saturday, May 18, 2024 | Between 3:30 pm and 4:00 pm
Fort Walton Beach Landing
131 Brooks St SE, Fort Walton Beach, Florida
- 10:00 am — Arts & Crafts Festival Opens
- Noon–6:00 pm — Live Music
- 3:30 pm–4:00 pm — Pirate Landing
- 3:30 pm–6:00 pm — Pirate Celebration
Captain Billy Bowlegs returns and comes ashore at Fort Walton Beach Landing with the entire Krewe of Bowlegs, as well as allies from visiting Krewes across the country. The mayor will try everything to stop him, but Captain Billy will prevail and take over the city of Fort Walton Beach again! The pirates and wenches will be full of merriment and mischief as they greet the citizens of Captain Billy's newly captured city and hand out treasures. Festivities at the Landing throughout the day include live music and an arts and crafts festival, along with food, beverages and other vendor booths.
Torchlight Parade
Monday, May 20, 2024 | 7:00 pm
Downtown Fort Walton Beach
Eglin Pkwy from First St to Hughes St, Fort Walton Beach, Florida
The Torchlight Parade concludes the festival. This fun parade has more than 100 floats and participants. Captain Billy and the entire Krewe of Bowlegs will be aboard their five floats and anchor the parade to celebrate Captain Billy Bowleg's 68th annual capture of Fort Walton Beach! As they make their way up Eglin Parkway from First Street to Hughes Street in downtown Fort Walton Beach, they'll be sharing their loot with those cheering them on.